SElf-Designed major

There are academically sophisticated and self-motivated students at Lesley University who would like to major in areas where no formal majors are offered. Often the faculty expertise exists within the University for these disciplinary concentrations, but the programs of study are not available. A Self-designed major provides Lesley College and Art Institute of Boston students with the opportunity to propose their own individualized majors in these areas of interest. Students with Self-designed majors, focusing on interdisciplinary and independent studies, satisfy their individual research and educational objectives. They are required to formulate clearly an area of interest, seek out courses and faculty appropriate for it, and develop a coherent plan of study.

A Self-designed major is appropriate for students who have a solid foundation in the liberal arts, support from a core faculty member, and a clear idea of why they wish to pursue a Self-designed major.

The Self-designed major is normally a junior/senior experience. Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may submit an application for the program after completing 45 credits of study. (In special cases, the GPA requirement and the credit requirement may be waived by the Self-designed Major Committee.) Students may begin work on the Self-designed major after the completion of 60 credits of coursework. Applications are due by the 1st Monday in October or the 3rd Monday in February.

Students will need to write a proposal to the Self-Designed Major Committee, which includes the following:

• A statement from a core faculty member, who can speak to their ability to succeed in the major and who is willing to be their Self-designed Major advisor.
• An introductory statement, in which they briefly discuss the work of their first two years and why a Self-designed major is a better choice than the available majors.
• A clear description of what they plan to concentrate in and why this interdisciplinary area makes sense and meets their learning goals. Students are reminded that a Self-designed major cannot lead to professional licensure or certification.
• A statement of their learning goals and how they plan to meet them in the next two years. They should list areas of both breadth and depth, examine existing courses available across the University, and discuss potential independent studies or internships.

Requirements for Degree Completion for the Self-Designed Major

30 credits minimum from the Self-designed major program (including a capstone experience and interdisciplinary seminar course) is required for graduation.

A total of at least 120 credits is required for graduation. The student will receive a B.A., B.F.A., or B.S. degree according to the definition for each included in the college catalog.